I have a 2004 Dodge Durango with 135,500 miles on it with a 4.7L V8. Just recently I have been having issues with the engine shutting off. Sometimes when I stop, the engine will shut off. I don't know if it is throwing any codes when it does it, but the check engine light doesn't come on. After doing this, the vehicle will start back up and run as normal. It is intermittent, but seems to do it more when it is very cold. I have also noticed that sometimes when I stop the RPMs will drop down really low (below 500). When it does this, sometimes the RPMs will pick back up, but sometimes they don't. I am not sure what normal idle is for the vehicle, but have seen the vehicle idle between 500 and 1000 RPMs. If someone has previously had this problem and can let me know what to look into I would gladly appreciate it. I am unable to find anything on the internet about this sort of problem.

 

When is the last time you changed the PCV valve? Should have been a scheduled maintenance item. Have you driven it above 50 mph for at least five minutes? If not, then try it. Some codes won't show (but will be set) until a good five minutes of driving at highway speed. Well, at least with the other vehicles I've owned they behaved this way.

Or, take it to your local auto parts store and have them pull the codes it has on it.

 

My old 2007 5.7 did it to me at least twice at the same intersection while I was braking to a stop sign within a few weeks of each other. The engine was cold both times. Maybe your throttle position sensor is on its way out.
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azcromntic,

You bring up a good point, although fault codes may not be shown, a scan can possibly indicate internal errors that may be stored in the system. It would be beneficial to have the Durango examined at a servicing facility.

@navdig, I have had a chance to look into your concerns further. In some cases, the under filling of the transmission fluid can cause RPM's to be low, resulting in possible stalling.

 

I have recently changed the PCV valve as recommended. I haven't had any codes pulled yet. Since changing the PCV valve, the vehicle still hesitates a bit and will drop below 500, but hasn't shut down yet. Is there a specific type of Transmission fluid that should be put into the vehicle. or will any transmission fluid work?

 

Also, how many quarts of oil does the 4.7L V8 engine hold?

 

Both the tranny fluid type and oil refil amount should be listed in your owner's manual. I don't know where the owner's manual can be downloaded but I'm pretty sure it is free.

 

ATF 4 for the transmission fluid. I used Royal Purple last time.
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